Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee gets D on latest Financial State of the Cities Report
(The Center Square) – Milwaukee does not get a passing grade on the latest deep dive into city finances across the country.
Truth In Accounting released its annual Financial State of the Cities report, giving Milwaukee a D.
“Milwaukee’s financial condition worsened by $403.8 million, resulting in a Taxpayer Burden of $15,300, earning a ‘D’ grade from Truth in Accounting,” the report states.
Truth In Accounting says Milwaukee has $1.3 billion to pay $4.4 billion in bills. Those bills include $1.2 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and another $1.2 billion in unfunded retiree healthcare benefits.
“Milwaukee had set aside only 79 cents for every dollar of promised pension benefits and no money set aside for promised retiree healthcare benefits,” the report adds.
Executive Vice President at the Institute for Reforming Government, Chris Reader, told The Center Square those numbers should worry Milwaukee taxpayers.
“It looks like the burden per Milwaukee taxpayer has more than doubled in the eight years of this report, from $6,800 in 2015 to $15,300 now,” Reader said. “The city also continues to slide down the rankings, from low 50s (of 75) to 68th. That should be unacceptable to taxpayers in Milwaukee.”
The Truth In Accounting report does not include the new money that Milwaukee will get from its new 2% sales tax. The city estimates it will receive nearly $190 million from that tax each year.
Reader said Milwaukee’s mayor advocated for the tax as a way to pay down Milwaukee’s pension debt and keep the city from going bankrupt. But he’s not solid.
“Some will see this and say it’s why higher taxes are needed. To us, it shows that spending restraint is needed at City Hall, just as it’s needed in Madison and Washington,” Reader added.
While Milwaukee is in the bottom 10, 68th, in the Truth In Accounting report, there are cities that are worse.
New York City has the highest taxpayer burden in the report at over $61,800, followed by Chicago at $42,900, and Honolulu at $24,200.
“At least Milwaukee’s 68th ranking is better than Chicago!,” Reader said.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee shootings Sunday; 1 dead, 1 injured
MILWAUKEE – One person is dead and another is injured after different shootings in Milwaukee on Sunday, Oct. 6.
20th and Cornell
A 16-year-old was shot around 1 p.m. and went to the hospital for treatment. The teen victim succumbed to their injury.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. Police are looking for anyone involved.
Birch and Sheridan
A 25-year-old was shot around 5:30 p.m. The victim went to the hospital for treatment of non-fatal injuries.
Police are still investigating and looking for anyone involved.
MPD tips
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app.
Milwaukee, WI
Weather Webcast with Chief Meteorologist Tom Wachs
Clear skies tonight with patchy frost away from the lake overnight. Temperatures dropping into the 30s inland, mid-40s near the lake overnight. Becoming partly sunny on Monday, breezy with highs in the mid-60s.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee events happening in October
MILWAUKEE – Fall is here! And there’s plenty to see and do in the Milwaukee area this October.
Ian Thompson from Visit Milwaukee joined FOX6 WakeUp with all the info on events happening this month.
-
Technology5 days ago
Charter will offer Peacock for free with some cable subscriptions next year
-
World4 days ago
Ukrainian stronghold Vuhledar falls to Russian offensive after two years of bombardment
-
World4 days ago
WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange says he pleaded ‘guilty to journalism’ in order to be freed
-
Technology3 days ago
Beware of fraudsters posing as government officials trying to steal your cash
-
Health2 days ago
Health, happiness and helping others are vital parts of free and responsible society, Founding Fathers taught
-
Virginia5 days ago
Status for Daniels and Green still uncertain for this week against Virginia Tech; Reuben done for season
-
Sports2 days ago
Freddie Freeman says his ankle sprain is worst injury he's ever tried to play through
-
News2 days ago
Lebanon says 50 medics killed in past three days as Israel extends its bombardment